Criss Cross remained unblemished, handing the D’Navigators their first loss of the tournament after a close four-set encounter, 25-20, 20-25, 32-30, 25-14, in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, Wednesday at the Paco Arena.
Despite coming from a long layoff, Jude Garcia managed to sustain his stellar play for the King Crunchers, firing 19 points on 17 attacks and two blocks and coming up clutch in the tight third set to power his side to a 4-0 record, tied with defending champion Cignal at the top spot.
“Sobrang saya kasi after ng break nung Holy Week, andun pa rin yung composure namin sa game,” said Garcia following after almost two hours of action.
After splitting the first two sets, Criss Cross and the D’Navigators figured in a neck and neck encounter in the extended third frame. The King Crunchers, however, was able to escape the D’Navigators after Garcia converted a down-the-line attack which locked the scores at 30-all.
Rex Intal came through with a running attack to push Criss Cross at set point before Garcia blocked Francis Saura which gave them a 2-1 lead in the match.
It was all the King Crunchers from there, dominating the fourth set to secure their fourth win in as many outings.
“Kahit sobrang dikit ng laban, hindi pa rin kami nagpatinag sa laro. Andun yung composure sa mga teammates ko, nag mag-tiwala sa isa’t isa. Hindi nawawala yung tiwala na binigay ng coaches samin,” said Garcia.
Kim Malabunga tallied 11 points on seven attacks and four blocks while Pemie Bagalay, who received Player of the Game honors, also had 11 markers to go along with 11 excellent receptions for Criss Cross.
Team captain Ysay Marasigan contributed nine points and seven excellent digs while Intal registered four kill blocks to finish with eight points.
Ish Polvorosa took charge of the offense with 18 excellent sets while Manuel Sumanguid had 16 excellent digs.
The King Crunchers will aim to stretch their unbeaten run on Sunday, 6:00 p.m. when they take on the HD Spikers in a much-anticipated bout at the Philsports Arena.
Meanwhile, the D’Navigators, who suffered their first loss of the tournament and slid to 4-1, were led by Saura with 18 points on 16 attacks and two blocks, which went along with six excellent digs.
Edward Camposano and Deanne De Pedro chipped in 12 points apiece, with the latter tallying 12 excellent receptions as well, while Jayvee Sumagaysay had 11 points.
The D’Navigators will look to rebound from their first loss, taking on the Cignal as well on Wednesday, 6:00 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Arena.
